Month: October 2015

Some Fun Ways To Count Down Your Time In Braces

Dr. Keri Barrow

Wearing braces can straighten your teeth, giving you a more attractive smile for life. The entire process can take 18 months to two years (or more). This can seem like a very LONG time away when you first get your braces put on. Counting down your time in braces can help you pass that time more quickly, and build the excitement for that day when you finally get your braces removed.

Calendar-Clip-Art-Free

Create a Calendar

Crossing off each day on a calendar is a common  way of counting down the days. You can make this more personal by designing your own calendar to help you count down. Use one of the many online customization services to upload photos or designs for each month of your calendar. Each month’s picture could also show the number of months remaining until you expect to have your braces taken off.

Plan Rewards For Yourself

When you receive regular rewards for continuing to wear your braces, they can seem less bothersome. Plan to give yourself a reward every month that you wear your braces for the duration of the treatment. The time will pass much more quickly when you are earning rewards for your patience.

Make a Fun Paper Chain

Use strips of colorful paper to create the links of your chain, and add a new link each week to lengthen the chain. Before sealing each new strip of paper into a circle, write a reason on the paper strip of why you are getting your teeth straightened, or an event in the future when you will appreciate your straight teeth as you smile, such as having your senior pictures taken.

Make a Simple Wall Hanging

Purchase a large pad of blank white paper. Write a “0” on the bottom sheet and a “1” on the next, and continue until you reach the number of days remaining for your orthodontic treatment. Tear off the top sheet each day to see how many days are left and remind yourself of the progress you are making.

Find a Braces Buddy

If any of your friends get braces around the same time as you, share the experience. Make a pact to celebrate each trip to our Sioux Falls, SD office when one of you receives news about your progress.

Having braces doesn’t have to be a tedious, boring process. Have some fun with it…you’ll be glad you did. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we’re happy that you’ve chosen us to help you create your new, beautiful smile for life!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Dr. Kevin Horner

NOHMpumpkin-small-CopyIt’s October! What does this autumn month mean to you? For people in the northern part of the country, October is when the weather starts to get a little chilly; the warmer sweaters and jackets come out of storage and the summer clothing gets packed away until next year. You find ways to enjoy the cooler days and nights, and the beautiful, colorful fall foliage. You start making plans for the upcoming busy season of holidays. October means something a little different to our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics because it is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic practices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform their local communities about the important work we do.

National Orthodontic Health Month is a health awareness campaign created cooperatively by orthodontists and other dental health professionals. During this month, we make a special effort to promote dental health and orthodontic health in particular. It is a really good time to get your questions answered by dental professionals in your community and to learn more about exactly what an orthodontist can do for you and your family. Events held in connection with National Orthodontic Health Month are also an opportunity for us (orthodontists) to come out and meet community members. If you have never been to an orthodontist before, you might not know what to expect. Meeting your orthodontist in person before your first checkup is a great way to find out what kind of person you’ll be seeing during your appointment.

Meeting Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow in a relaxed “meet and greet” atmosphere can be especially helpful for any young orthodontic patients in your family. Kids of all ages (and their parents, as well) can feel anxious about going to the orthodontist. Getting to know the person you have an appointment with can make the experience a lot less stressful for everyone. Just meeting and talking with the orthodontist you’ll be seeing may be enough to put you more at ease about your upcoming appointment.

Dental health is something that affects everyone; healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy smile and a lifetime of comfort and well-being. Orthodontists are just one of the various dental practitioners you could visit at some point in your life, so taking a little time to learn who we are and what we do is certain to be a helpful experience. We look forward to seeing you and your family this October in our Sioux Falls, SD office!